Lisa Pettibone

With an interest in astronomy and physics, Lisa Pettibone’s practice investigates the cosmos in terms of energy, forces and form as filtered through human perception. She creates sculpture, installation and print to explore areas where humans and nature intersect, often through the lens of science. Using a variety of materials, including glass, she records spontaneous phenomena, such as the pull of gravity, evoking sensory experiences that connect people to ambient forces. Processes incorporate periods of creative material testing, research into scientific concepts, collaboration or site-specific work.

She has an MA in Art and Science from Central Saint Martins, London and was artist-in-residence at Mullard Space Science Laboratory (UCL) funded by Arts Council England from September 2018-2019. Her collaborative artwork Fingertip Galaxy was launched on ESA’s Euclid Mission spacecraft in July 2023. In February 2022 her work was sent to the International Space Station as part of the Moon Gallery Foundation ISS Test Mission, the first gallery in space. The MGF also included her poem in a miniature book destined to land on the Moon with the next Lifeship launch in 2025.

Working from her studio in Surrey, Lisa develops work for exhibition, undertakes commissions and teaches advanced glass-making courses. As an advocate of interdisciplinary practice, she has organised and participated in art/science events at institutions including NASA/JPL in California, CERN in Geneva, European Space Agency NL, University College London and Central Saint Martins, London. She is currently the co-chair of the Moon Village Association Cultural Considerations working group planning webinars related to space exploration. She is an elected member of the Royal Society of Sculptors.

Originally from California with a background in graphic design, she has a BA(Hons) 3D Design in Glass from University for the Creative Arts, Farnham UK. Her work is held in private collections and exhibited internationally. In 2015 and 2018 her work was included in the prestigious Discerning Eye Exhibition, London, and in 2017 she won the National Open Art Prize Installation Category. Her large glass and metal mobile was selected for Collect Open at Collect Art & Craft Fair at Somerset House, London in 2022 and was longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize in 2023.